Posted!

Join the Conversation

Comments

Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only.
This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you.
You do not need a Facebook profile to participate.

You will need to register before adding a comment.
Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in.

Please be polite.
It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban.
If you see comments in violation of our community guidelines, please report them.

Sizing up Johnstown vs. Wheelersburg

Ohio
Published 6:00 p.m. ET June 1, 2016

Buy Photo

Johnstown’s Sydney Stefanick throws to first base during a Division III district final against North Union on May 23.(Photo: Sara C. Tobias/The Advocate)Buy Photo

Johnstown, which plays top-ranked Wheelersburg in Division III at 3 p.m. Thursday at Firestone Stadium, has proven the Johnnies should never be counted out.

Beginning with their seventh-inning rally against North Union in the district finals, the Johnnies have scored their past 10 runs the fifth inning or later. Sydney Stefanick had the game-winning homer in each of the Johnnies’ regional victories.

While many teams ride one pitcher at this point of the season, the Johnnies have the benefit of being able to use Stefanick or Maddi Lusk. Coach Steve Smith has used both each of the past three games.

Wheelersburg is making its second consecutive trip to the state tournament. The Pirates ran into Bloom-Carroll and Taran Alvelo a year ago.

Kasey Bergan homered in the Pirates’ 7-1 victory against Albany Alexander in the regional finals, but the Pirates have a deep lineup led by Kalle Coleman and Michal Cunningham at the top.

Faith Howard struck out 10, and she has an excellent defense behind her.